Belle and SebastianDear Catastrophe WaitressBelle and Sebastian's...

JOSHUA KLEIN, REDEYE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORCHICAGO TRIBUNE

Belle and Sebastian

Dear Catastrophe Waitress

Belle and Sebastian's best work is directly proportional to the amount of control leader Stuart Murdoch wields over his band mates. Alas, album number five is another democratic effort, sounding like the product of too many chefs when all the group needs is the redoubtable writing talent of gourmet Murdoch. But at least this time Belle and Sebastian are consistent, with no particular track sabotaging the Trevor Horn-produced album of '60s, '70s, and '80s pastiche. In fact, the most memorable song may also be the most unlike past B&S works: "Stay Loose," an epic new-wave anthem that closes the album on a high note.